Sunday, July 24, 2011

I love the Liquid Salt blog/website. It is filled will beautiful and inspiring pictures and stories of artists and athletes who love the ocean. Whenever I read an interview, it makes me want to create something and get wet. The interviews are all the same format and I thought it would be fun to answer the questions for myself. he he. Just in case I ever surfed well enough or became successful in the arts department. You know, I just want to be prepared.

What was life like growing up?I grew up in suburbia in Sacramento and was kind of a tom boy when I was young. I would follow my boy cousins around and try to be like them. We would ride our bikes around the entire town and live at the city pools all summer long. There was a summer when I rollerbladed every day, all day. We were constantly looking for fun, climbing trees. I spent a lot of time with fiends and had a very independent childhood.

Who did you look up to and admire when you were young?I looked up to my dad a lot. He is strong and wise. He has so many good qualities. My grandparents for sure. I grew up with both sets. They are and were unique in their own. By example, they taught me how to love, be adventurous, work hard, never stop learning, be healthy, and just be good to people around you.

What was the feeling you had when you first stood on a surf board?I remember the day exactly like it were yesterday. I had tried to surf a couple times before, but wasn't ever able to paddle out past the whitewash. This day, I was at Turtle Bay with my cousins. They had all jumped out where the waves were breaking past the pool. I was too scared, so I was just playing on one of their boards in the shallow water with one of my other cousins. Our friend was spear fishing for squid. He asked if we wanted him to push us into some waves. He pushed me into one and I stood up and rode it a ways. I could see the coral through the clear water. It was magical. I get the same feeling still.

Who/what inspires you?

Anyone who is out there creating things and living life to the fullest, being the best they can be and is passionate about it: writing, surfing, making music, making art, whatever. I'm a mom, so I see a lot of women with their kids. It's easy to get lost in that life because it 's so consuming. Giving 100% to your family is great, but I think everyone should give a little time to themselves. Even if it's just once a month.

Of all the places you have traveled to, what place in particular stands out and why?

I live in Huntington Beach and I think it is heaven on earth. But, Hawaii is so beautiful. I've been wanting to visit there lately. I love Greece. The people are so down to earth. They are comfortable with their bodies. I love the fresh food there. I also love Lucern, Switzerland. The contrast of the steep, green mountainside with the glassy lake. Lafonda in Baja is beautiful too. The ocean there has an uninterrupted skyline and you can camp right on the cliff overlooking the water.

What is the great est thing you have learned in your life?

That the present is all there is or will ever be. Right now. This very moment.

What are you most proud of?

Who I am and what I believe in. It took me a long time to get here. But it feels so good to be in a place where you are comfortable with yourself.

What meaning does surfing hold for you and how has it changed your life?

Surfing is a source of happiness. It forces you to live in the moment. I don't think about anything else when I'm surfing. Just joy. Enjoying mother nature to the fullest. Loving the earth. Finding something that you love adds joy to your life.

What brings you the most happiness in the world?

Having peace of mind and being calm. Also, enjoying good heath for me and my loved ones. I feel the best when I'm moving around, especially when I get to surf or do something that I love. Being with other people that have positive energy.

Who are some of the people you feel are shaping the path for surfing today?Local groups that get people out in the water, enjoying life. My friends organized a women's surf group called Wahine Kai. I also belong to a free surf mom's group (it's on facebook). We trade off watching the kids and surfing.

What is your favorite board? Your favorite surf spot?My favorite board is our Robert August 9'6". I love that board. It practically pushes you to the nose. I also love my Rockin' Fig 8'2" fun board. I can move around and do cut backs more easily. My favorite longboard spot is San O. Depending on the day, BolsaChica jetty, the Huntington Pier or 20th St can be super fun too...Seal Beach Jetty and Blackies are a couple of my favorites.

Surfrider Foundation and our mom's surf group. I was also watching my friend's son once a week, so she could finish college. I'm all about giving myself to help rather than just giving money to an organization. Helping someone when they need it is important to me. I also fill trash bags with garbage from the beach as often as I can. It's an easy way to keep our beaches clean. I try to use plastic as little as possible and recycle.

What are you most grate­ful for?

My family and this earth. I am so lucky and blessed. I love my two kids and my husband so much. For the life I have had that has made me who I am today. I wouldn't change it for anything. My friends. Everything.

What’s next for Chelsea Panter?I don't know. I'm going to enjoy what I have right now. In a couple years, I might make some changes with work. I might try doing something that I'm more passionate and creative with for a living...or maybe surf more, play more music. We'll see.